1st Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Launched By Union Minister

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized the importance of green hydrogen in promoting green economic growth and the global transition to clean energy. He reiterated the Prime Minister's commitment to achieving energy self-sufficiency through electric mobility, a gas-based economy, and a dedicated mission for green hydrogen, as announced during a speech at the Red Fort in Delhi. This was highlighted during the launch of the first Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus in New Delhi at Kartavya Path.

The event, attended by Rameswar Teli, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas & Labour and Employment, Pankaj Jain, Secretary of MoP&NG, and S M Vaidya, Chairman of Indian Oil, marked the official start of green hydrogen-powered transportation in India. Hardeep Singh Puri, in the presence of various stakeholders, explained how hydrogen-powered buses are an environmentally friendly mode of transport, generating electricity from hydrogen and air, with only water as a by-product. He emphasized that hydrogen-fueled buses are efficient and eco-friendly. Puri also highlighted the government's commitment to clean energy, with hydrogen and biofuels expected to meet 25% of global energy demand growth. India aims to become a global leader in green hydrogen production and exports.

Hardeep Singh Puri praised the collaboration between industry and government to position India as a hub for cleaner technologies and energy self-sufficiency. He mentioned the launch of the world's first BS 6 Electrified Flex Fuel vehicle, combining ethanol and electric power for enhanced efficiency. Puri also announced the start of two hydrogen fuel cell buses, with plans for 15 more by year-end in Delhi NCR. He commended Indian Oil and Tata Motors for their work on indigenous fuel cell solutions. This project could transform India from a fossil energy importer to a clean hydrogen exporter. Rameshwar Teli emphasized hydrogen's role in a carbon-free economy and climate change mitigation, calling the launch a significant step in India's green energy commitment.

Pankaj Jain, Secretary of MoP&NG, emphasized the significance of the moment in terms of technology and mobility, as the launch of the Green Hydrogen bus marks a transformative shift for India away from traditional fuels. He applauded Indian Oil for their innovative venture into hydrogen and encouraged schoolchildren to explore these green technologies, recognizing their role in transitioning away from internal combustion engines.

S M Vaidya, Chairman of Indian Oil, highlighted hydrogen as a game-changer in India's pursuit of net-zero emissions by 2070, aligning with the National Green Hydrogen Mission. He reaffirmed Indian Oil’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions and acknowledged support from the Government of India and the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.

Vaidya also mentioned the deployment of 15 fuel cell buses in Delhi NCR to gather performance data, covering a cumulative distance of 3 lakh kilometres to assess the entire value chain's effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability. This initiative represents a significant step toward India's greener and more sustainable future.